If I use this type of software like Directcd. Can it damage the long life of my recorder? I have a friend that told me that these programs write the data you want and then the laser comes back to the beginning to write the TOC; and he says this is bad for the cd-writer. Is that true?

I have used DirectCD and InCD and I have had more luck with InCD. The data seems more stable. Now others will say they have had more luck with DirectCD. I am sure they both have thier goods and bads.... Gota try them to see what is best for you.